This group seems to be the natural one in which to post this

I recently learned about a flower, called the sacred datura, otherwise known as the "Moon Lily."

It is beautiful, but every part of the plant is poisonous!

Hmm..........

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robingoodfellow · M

It's an extremely powerful muscle relaxer. The heart is a muscle, and ingesting any part of the plant in even small quantities can relax the heart to the point of stopping.
It also has powerful hallucinogenic qualities and some people have used it for the trip, the smallest taste. They say it's not a fun experience.

They grow wild in the fields here, everywhere. I think they're cool the way the flowers roll up like cigarettes during the day and open in the moonlight.

samueltyler2 · 80-89, M

@robingoodfellow I have no idea where you got that information, but it is incorrect. The active substance is an alkaloid which is actually an anticholinergic agent.

robingoodfellow · M

@samueltyler2 from google :

Yes, Datura has been studied and used traditionally for its potential muscle relaxant properties. The plant contains various alkaloids, including atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine, that contribute to these effects.
How Datura might act as a muscle relaxant:
Anticholinergic Activity: Atropine and scopolamine, found in Datura, are classified as anticholinergics. They block the effects of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in muscle contractions. By blocking acetylcholine receptors, particularly M2 receptors, they can relax smooth muscles, including those in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. This action is thought to be responsible for Datura's traditional use in treating asthma symptoms by reducing bronchial spasms.
Antispasmodic Effects: Some sources specifically mention the antispasmodic properties of Datura, meaning it can help relieve muscle spasms and cramps. This is likely related to its anticholinergic effects that reduce the excitability of muscle fibers.

The bit about stopping the heart came out of one of my plant books.

samueltyler2 · 80-89, M

@robingoodfellow anticholinergics can block him spasms, yes, by paralyzing the neuromuscular junction. But it causes the heart to speed up, not slow down, it causes urinary retention. It causes the mucous membranes to dry up, the blood vessels to dilate, that isn't what I call relaxation, but that could be a semantic difference. In overdoses it causes seizures. The classic poem, is hot as a hare, red as a beet mad as a hatter.

robingoodfellow · M

@samueltyler2 you sound like a doctor. I am not so I'll defer to you on that.
But plants are my thing, I read up constantly and the info I wrote here is out of a few different books I own.

samueltyler2 · 80-89, M

@robingoodfellow I am a retired medical to oncologist. I responded to several outbreaks of daturia overdoses, usually teenagers trying to get high. When i hear the term relaxation, I do not think of anticholinergics at all.

robingoodfellow · M

@samueltyler2 ok what you're saying about the heart speeding up checks out with what I'm reading now online. So my book is in the wrong. Appreciate the correction.

samueltyler2 · 80-89, M

@robingoodfellow thanks, as I said I know the clinical syndrome very well.